2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON brake

Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling
away and driving under low load conditions
are performed:
R entirely by electric propulsion
R in combination with the internal combus-
tion engine
When accelerating at an increased or full
load, boost mode is utilised. The electric
motor supports the internal combustion
engine by providing additional torque when
the accelerator is depressed rapidly.
Overrun mode or braking
There are three possible operating modes
when the hybrid vehicle is decelerating: R When coasting and decelerating, energy
recuperation is already taking place
(Y page 269). The electric motor functions
as an alternator and stores the recuperated
energy in the high-voltage battery.
R When braking gently, the electric motor
increases the deceleration of the vehicle.
Energy recuperation is increased
(Y page 269). The electric motor functions
as an alternator and stores the recuperated energy in the high-voltage battery.
R During heavy braking, the service brake is
also used to slow down the vehicle. Both
systems work together.
Driving in the city
Energy is recuperated during frequent decel-
eration and stopping in city traffic.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric
motor alone up to a speed of approximately
35 km/h, e.g.:
R while approaching a traffic light
R in stop-and-start traffic
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor
alone only when all conditions for the auto-
matic engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 280). Driving on inter-urban roads
Three phases are possible when driving on
inter-urban roads:
R rapid acceleration (boost mode)
R constant energy consumption
R energy recuperation
Depending on the characteristics of the
route, there may be a lot of recuperated
energy available. This reduces consumption
and emissions.
Driving on the motorway
When driving on a motorway, the following
have a particularly positive effect on fuel con- sumption and emissions:
R the decrease in wasted power when using
recuperative braking
R the decrease in wasted power in overrun
mode when the combustion engine is
switched off
Manoeuvring and turning
The hybrid drive makes it possible to manoeu- vre and turn solely using the electric motor.
ECO start/stop function General notes
The ECO start/stop function switches the
internal combustion engine off automatically
when the vehicle stops moving and at high
speeds (Y page 280).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the
automatic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is only available in drive programs C,Eand I. Electric-only
operation is only possible in drive programs C
and E. Hybrid operation
279Driving and parking Z

Automatic engine switch-off
The internal combustion engine is switched
off automatically if:
R the driver removes his foot from the accel-
erator pedal and a speed of 160 km/h is
not exceeded (Y page 280)
R the combustion engine and the transmis-
sion have reached operating temperature
R the driver's seat belt is fastened and the
driver's door is closed
R the driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, main- tain the current speed for a limited distance
R the bonnet is closed and engaged properly
R the high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently
R there are no faults in the hybrid system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if:
R the self-diagnosis function of the engine
control unit is still active
R the climate control of the vehicle requires it
R the high-voltage battery is being charged
(Y page 274)
R automatic emissions tests are running
R the operating temperature of the engine,
transmission and catalytic converter has
not yet been reached
Automatic engine start
The internal combustion engine, which has
been automatically switched-off, starts auto-
matically in certain situations, when:
R the power demand from the driver via the
accelerator pedal is greater than the elec-
tric motor alone can provide
R the driver switches to drive program Sor S
+
R the driver has activated manual gearshift-
ing R
the charge level of the high-voltage battery
has reached the lower limit
R the settings of the automatic climate con-
trol require it, e.g. at external temperatures
above 30 †
Overrun mode
This operating mode is available in the speed
range below 160 km/h.
The combustion engine is switched off and is disconnected from the drive train.
The electric motor:
R simulates an overrun torque which is equiv-
alent to the overrun torque of the combus-
tion engine
R functions as a generator and produces the
necessary energy for the auxiliary consum- ers and charges the high-voltage battery
Extended overrun mode
Overrun mode allows you to increase the
vehicle range.
When the vehicle is in overrun operating
mode:
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
Energy recuperation is reduced to the min-
imal amount of energy required. The vehi-
cle rolls faster and further, e.g. on long and steep downhill gradients or while coasting
towards a set of traffic lights.
You can see the reduction in energy recuper-
ation in the electric motor CHARGE display
(Y page 272).
The "extended overrun" operating mode is
deactivated again if:
R the combustion engine starts
R you depress the brake pedal 280
Hybrid operationDriving and pa
rking

Parking
X Apply the electric parking brake.
The red !indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
automatic transmission to P.
X Switch the ignition off.
The READY indicator in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
Further information on parking and switching off the internal combustion engine
(Y page 208). Hybrid operation
281Driving and parking Z

Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving. G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If the maximum the permissible load for a car- rier system is exceeded, the carrier could
come loose from the vehicle and endanger
other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never exceed the permissible noseweight
when using a carrier.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball cou-
pling may cause damage to the following:
R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R the trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min- imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/ trailer combination could also become unsta-
ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey.
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight.
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight.
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" (Y page 478). G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in. Towing a trailer
283Driving and parking Z

!
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis- sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes Trailer towing is not permissible on the fol-
lowing models:
R C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
R C 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a max-
imum load; see the tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 432). On vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the
load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 477).
When towing a trailer, the ECO start/stop
function is deactivated. The èECO sym-
bol appears yellow in the multifunction dis-
play. For further information on the ECO
start/stop function; see (Y page 186).
Driving tips Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilisa-
tion (Y page 82).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/ trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max- imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle (Y page 478). If you utilise any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion may not exceed a maximum speed of
100 km/h for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above
100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the 284
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle, you must fold out the ball coupling.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Open the boot lid.
X Pull release knob :until the ball coupling
unlocks.
The ball coupling folds out from under the
rear bumper.
The indicator lamp on the release knob
flashes. The trailer socket folds away auto- matically. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages in a vertical posi-
tion.
The indicator lamp on the release knob
goes off.
The multifunction display shows the
Trailer Trailer hitch
hitchCheck
Checklock
lockmech.
mech. mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
Hybrid vehicles: observe the safety instruc-
tions for hybrid vehicles (Y page 269). Towing a trailer
285Driving and parking Z

Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
X Push the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer is flash-
ing.
A connected trailer is only recognised when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The functioning of other
systems, e.g. ESP ®
, PARKTRONIC, Active
Parking Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist or
Lane Keeping Assist also depends on this. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over- run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable. !
Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Fold the ball coupling back in if you are not
using the trailer tow hitch. X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling.
X Open the boot lid. 286
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Redialling
The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialled in the redial memory.
X Use ò on the steering wheel to call up
the list of menus.
X Press :or9 on the steering wheel
to select the Telephone
Telephone menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
X Press the 6button to switch to the
redial memory.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
desired name or number.
X Press the 6ora button to start dial-
ling.
or
X To exit the redial memory: press the
~ or% button. Assistance graphic menu
X
Use ò on the steering wheel to call up
the list of menus.
X Press the :or9 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Assistance
Assistance
graphic
graphic menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
The multifunction display shows the
DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the
assistance graphic.
X Press :to display the ATTEN-
TION ASSIST assessment. The assistance graphic shows you the status
of and/or information from the following driv-ing systems or driving safety systems:
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 228)
R Traffic Sign Assist (Y page 256)
R Distance warning function and autono-
mous braking system of COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST PLUS (Y page 308)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 82)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 259) or Active
Blind Spot Assist (Y page 263)
R ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 255)
R Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 261)or Active
Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 266) Service menu
Introduction In the
Service Service menu, you have the following
options:
R Calling up display messages in the mes-
sage memory (Y page 314)
R Restarting the tyre pressure loss warning
system (Y page 437)
R Checking the tyre pressure electronically
(Y page 434)
R Calling up the service due date
(Y page 395)
R Displaying the coolant temperature
(Y page 307)
R Displaying the AdBlue ®
level and range
(Y page 307) (BlueTEC vehicles only) 306
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays